Chapter Twenty-Six

It was already morning when Damiano returned from his mission to dispose of a traitor, and I missed him terribly. It's the first night we haven't slept together since we confessed our feelings. What if we go back to where we were?

"Good morning, beautiful." He leans in and kisses me as I drink my coffee. "I missed you." He takes my coffee and sets it down.

"I missed you too," I breathe against his chest.

"Here—I bought you something on the way here." I take the gift bag and open it, nearly sending it to the floor in surprise when I see what's inside, but he catches it. "Whoa, let's set it down."

I pull out the cell phone and tablet. "You got me these?"

"Don't sound so excited. I already feel like a bastard about leaving you stranded without basic technology for this long."

"These aren't basic. That thing I had was basic." He frowns, and I know the running away bothers him, so I brush his still scruffy face. "I love you, Dame."

His eyes darken, and his breathing grows heavy. "Say it again, and I'll show you how to use it."

My own pulse quickens throughout my body, heart beating out of control, but I stay poised because I'm loving this new side of my husband. "I'll say it again and you can kiss me."

"I was going to do that anyway." He sets the devices on the counter and pulls me in for a deep kiss. His fingers spear through my hair, holding me firmly while dominating my mouth. It isn't until I'm gasping that he's pulling away only to get some breathing room.

"So…" His eyebrows raise, licking his lips like he's had a delectable snack.

"Oh, so how does it work?" I tease. He gives me a stern face that would rattle most men, but I've never been truly afraid of this man. "Fine." Rolling my eyes, I say, "I guess I can repeat myself. I love you."

"Good, because I have a feeling you are going to make me repeat myself all the damn time."

"Yes, because I know how much you don't like it." He sits down on the seat next to me, then scoops me up and sits me in his lap. "I know how much you like this."

"Maybe a little too much. We're going to repeat a lot of lessons today."

"A lot." I moan as he attacks my neck with kisses.

It tales all afternoon for me to get the hang of his phone and tablet explanations, but it doesn't matter because the three orgasms in between were so worth the spankings for not paying attention.

"Dinner will have to be continued, Dolcezza."

"Work stuff?"

"Yes. There's an urgent matter, or I wouldn't be leaving you."

"You know I understand completely."

"The club opens tomorrow, so I'd like you to come with me."

"Really?"

"Yes, but nothing like you were wearing the last time."

"Okay. I promise I'll be a good girl. Or maybe not."

"I fucking heard that shit. Just so you know, there's no one going to let you slide on that shit because I will be escorting you to the club myself."

"Damn it." He scowls at me, which only makes me grin.

"I'll call your troublemaker sister and ask what acceptable attire for the club is."

He shakes his head like he's had enough of me, but he still comes back for more, returning to my chair and cupping my chin. "If that's the case, maybe you would be better asking my mother. She knows how to keep my father from killing anyone. I've buried a lot of bodies since I met you, and I'll gladly bury thousands more, Cara." He's right, because she's gorgeous and doesn't even look like she has grown-ass kids with a figure that matches mine or her daughter's. You wouldn't know that she was in her fifties.

I'm still not happy about her outfit, but then again, what would make me pleased is a fucking sack on her while we're in my club. Although, my bride deserves to wear only the best, so tonight's gown is gorgeous as hell on her soft skin. "You look fabulous, Stella."

"Yes, you look stellar," Hummingbird says, bouncing around our bedroom like the little bird she is.

"Don't you have a home?" I sneer at my sister.

She just sticks out her tongue and goes to her makeup bag, waving it at me. "I do, but I promised I wouldn't leave until I did her makeup, so stop being a pest and go entertain my fiancé."

"Keep it up, and I'll keep him busy on assignments until your wedding."

"You're not a very nice big brother."

"Well, I know what he does to you in private and I should kill him for it, so I think I'm pretty nice."

"Whatever. You need to leave us so I can make your wife beautiful."

"She's already beautiful."

"I just wanted to hear you say it." She winks at Stella, and I let out a laugh. I've been beat, so I look for my men. The risk for the club will be low tonight because police will be all around. Still, I can't let my guard down when it comes to my wife.

Twenty-five long minutes later, my wife and sister finally traipse down the steps, and I'm floored by the beauty before me. It's not what she did to her; it's the glow on her face. She's happy.

Meeting my wife there, I close the distance and take her hand in mine before bringing it to my lips. "So perfect. Are you ready, Mrs. Valentino?"

"Yes," she says, biting the edge of her bottom lip.

As soon as we get to the waiting armored town car, I say, "Tell me what's going on. That light's missing."

"Actually, I'm a little nervous."

Is she afraid of the danger? I'd die for her, and I'll tear apart anyone who comes between us. Cupping her chin, I look into her eyes to read her well. "Why?"

She blushes, and I want to fuck her on the leather seats beneath us. "I've actually never been dancing. Will you dance with me?"

"How about we dance alone in our private VIP booth?"

"I'd like that." She leans her pretty head on my shoulder as we drive into the city.

The drive to the club is fraught with tension as my phone blows up with messages and calls. I learn a lot about my former soldiers. The details come in from Nico, and they're not good. Benzino was not only related to that cunt that came between my family and nearly cost me my life, but Rocco was too. They were relatives of another family—one I suddenly had an unknown beef with.

We'll see how long that lasts; a war will be had. I've never lost before, and this time, a lot more is at stake. A future.

"Now what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing."

"Don't lie to me, Damiano Marciano Valentino."

"It's nothing for you to worry about, is what I mean. Tonight, I want you to enjoy being the only woman ever on my arm to sit in my lap and dance in my arms."

"Fine, but I'm not a wilting flower."

"That doesn't mean you need to be involved in the big-boy problems. I need you and my baby well protected."

"Of course, if that's what you want. I'll do it, just don't tell me nothing's wrong when I can see it. I'm na?ve to a lot, but reading a man's face is something I've grown very used to." She doesn't have to explain that response to let me know she lived with warding off the next round of abuse. Watching her tongue and expressions kept her from trouble, so she knew to be on guard.

Bringing her hand to my lips, I kiss the back of it and apologize. "I'm sorry, Amore. I'll try to remember."

We arrive at the club ten minutes later, and my wife is a little less frazzled. Cameras and police are all around because tonight's the grand reopening and everyone wants details. "Mr. Valentino, Mr. Valentino, can we get a word?" a reporter shouts. She doesn't wait, of course. "Is it true that someone has finally landed Miami's notorious elusive bachelor?"

"If that's your impolite way of asking if this lovely woman is my wife, then yes. My wife, Stella. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a club to open. You may come in, but of course, cameras and recording equipment are to be left outside."

"What about the fires? Any answers? Will there be trouble?"

"I certainly hope not, but as you can see, security and police have been amplified. I'm not a fire investigator, so I don't have answers on the fires. Now, excuse us." I lead Stella away from the woman who has taken an enviable stare at my wife.

"Jealousy is ugly on such a beautiful woman," Stella says to the reporter.

I lean and whisper, "Mio angelo oscuro." Stella smiles wickedly. Possessiveness looks great on her.

I lead her in, and we walk around to the bar. "Everyone, gather around." Feet shuffle quickly as they tend to when I'm here. "I'd like to make a formal introduction before we open the doors. This beautiful woman you have seen here before. However, I haven't properly introduced her as my wife, Stella Valentino. She should be treated as you would me, and you know what that means. If anyone dares approach her, I want to know. Understood?"

They quickly cheer and agree. After they greet her with the respect fitting my wife, I lead her around to inspect the club. It's something I do almost every time I come in. The place is perfect, including the extra cameras I added just in case we get some unwelcome visitors. My office has been triple-swept and thoroughly cleaned after the supposed fire at the club.

"It's time to open. Do you want to go to the door, or would you rather wait in our lounge?"

"I have to use the ladies' room."

"Okay, but use the one in my office." I kiss her lips and then nod toward Adriano. "Escort my wife upstairs, please."

"Of course." She follows his lead to the steps, and I watch as he acts the perfect guard for her. I'm glad there are some I can truly trust with her. Especially that big motherfucker. The next ten minutes are hectic as we let in the VIPs, and then finally I head up to my office. Adriano's standing guard outside. "I told her it was best just to wait for you inside."

"Good." I turn the knob and see the sexiest sight. My pretty wife is sitting on the edge of my desk holding one of my blades, twirling it in her hand. "Are you planning to off me tonight?"

"No. Adriano wanted to make sure I was protected, so he showed me where you keep the special hiding spot."

"Smart. You're really good with knives, but maybe we'll take you to the range. How would you like that?" I take the knife from her and set it down.

"Anything to keep this one safe." She rubs her belly.

"Hopefully we don't have that problem, Mrs. Valentino, but for now, I owe you a dance."

"Do you have any music in here?" We have speakers in the club that connect to my office, but I can change it so I don't have to hear the shit out there. I put on something slow and pull my wife into my arms. Holding her is always a pleasure, but watching others in the club dancing had never filled me with envy until I crossed paths with my little angel.

The song comes to an end, and she stares up into my eyes with a happiness that I can latch onto for my own. The only light I let in. "This is wonderful, Dame. Can we stay like this for another song?"

"For a while longer," I whisper over her head, wanting to spend the rest of the night just the two of us. "You and I will have our own little night this week."

"It's a date, Mr. Valentino," she says, brushing her lips on my shaved chin. I had to clean up for the club, but I didn't leave it completely bare. "I want that between my thighs."

"At your service." I stop dancing and go to lift her on the desk, but she stops me.

"Not now, silly."

"Can't blame a guy. Look what you do to me." I rub my painful erection on her mound.

"We better go outside and see what's going on before we get carried away."

"Sounds wonderful." We exit the office and join Gabe and Gracie in the VIP booth with Adriano, who is surveying the floor below.

"Anything going on?"

"Nothing. The club is running as smoothly as ever, like nothing has ever changed, but we know differently." We all understand that's the farthest from the truth because not only has Rocco betrayed us, but the fire was a ruse while Benz had snuck inside and tried to break into the safes to steal information they believed was here, as if I didn't have safety precautions everywhere. Sending in the fire department was their attempt to get more access to closed-off areas, but they underestimated my actual firewalls and my digital ones.

"We need drinks," I say. "Amore, you want water? A virgin cocktail?"

"Water." I press the button for service, and seconds later Sasha is up the steps. "Yes, Boss. What can I get you all tonight?"

"A refill for Gracie and Gabe, water, my usual, and…" I point to Adriano. "A chocolate milk."

"I'm not trying to go to bed. I'll take a water," he grumbles. "I'll be back in a minute." She's not gone long before returning with Adriano taking the tray. "Here you go. Will you be needing a refill in fifteen?"

"Sounds good. Thanks."

"Yes, Boss. Have a good evening." She nods and takes the now empty tray.

"How long has she been working here?"

"Since we opened the club. She's the best server and knows not to try shit, so she's the only one who gets to come up here to take orders."

"She seems nice. She told off Camille when we came here that night."

"The other guy didn't care and served us in a heartbeat." I wanted to smash his head in, but it was his job, so what the fuck was I supposed to do?

"Let's dance," Gracie says. She grabs Stella's hand and drags her away from me. A growl comes from deep within. "My wife doesn't dance in the club. You can have your own dance parties, but fuck if I want these pussies staring at her."

"Same, babe."

"Fine—then you both better dance with us." She grabs Gabe, Stella takes my hand, and we dance in the VIP lounge. It's surprisingly incredible having my wife shake her ass all over me while we find a nice rhythm to the music. Quickly I face the other direction because there's no way I want to see my sister grind up on my best friend and underboss the way my wife is on me.

Two hours later a yawn escapes my wife, and I wonder if this was a bad idea. She's pregnant, and it's late. We pop down in the seats and drink a little more.

"Do you want to head home?" I ask.

"No, it's your special night."

"Baby, you're sleeping on me," I tell her, trying to explain that she's got nothing left in her.

"I don't mean to kill your buzz," she huffs. She stands up and nearly trips over the table in front of us.

"We're leaving," I snarl. I won't have her risking her health just to please me.

"No, you stay. I'm going home."

"No, I'll take you home."

"No. You have to work, and I'm tired. I can call an Uber or something."

"The hell you can. You all have a great night. My angel and I need to tuck in our baby for the night." I shoot my driver a message to be ready in two minutes, and then I scoop her in my arms and carry my sleepy wife out of the club through the back while security watches our exit.

We're about twenty minutes on the road when an unsettling feeling hits me. There are two vehicles following us, and they haven't broken off.

I'm on the phone to Gabe and Adriano at the same time. "We're being followed."

"Fuck. Any ideas on who?"

"No. Any movement on Rodriguez?"

"No, he goes to work and does his job. His reports on the fires don't add up, but everything else shows up clean."

"What's going on, Damiano?" Stella whimpers when the sounds of guns go off.

"Fuck, we're on our way."

"The vehicle's armored, Amore. We're going to be okay." I yell to my driver, "Filo, drive faster and get us to my estate."

I call my father. "We're being chased about ten from my house."

"Adriano sent out the code. Men will be on their way as well as at the estate. Mi figlio, be safe."

"I am trying to protect my family." Rage boils in me. As soon as I get these pricks, hell will be paid.

When they realize their weapons won't penetrate, they go for ramming and that's enough to set me off, but my driver is an expert. He maneuvers through their attempted pits. We're nearly to the estate, and then our gates slide open for us to get in. As we do, I say, "Stay down, Angel. It's time for the devil to play."

I pull out the hidden launcher, and the vehicle only comes to a stop long enough to get in my sights. Bastards. I shoot it, sending it up and landing on the SUV, turning it to molten metal in seconds.

The other vehicle quickly speeds off, but I have surveillance that will be of good use. We don't approach until the all-clear is given, but I wait before I take my wife inside our estate. Filo holds off until I tell him to let her out because there's no way I want anyone to be lying in wait. My father and his men pull up in a dozen vehicles and join my men around the property, guns ready.

My body is vibrating with rage, seething as I consider the ramifications. We were obviously observed leaving the club, and it could have been at a distance because it's a very popular area, but it doesn't change a damn thing. War is what they want, and war is what they'll get.

Walking to the vehicle, I open the door and my wife is no longer inside, but neither is my driver. "Son of a bitch. They're gone. Where did they go? Get me cameras. He's taken my wife."

"No, he hasn't," Stella sighs, coming from the line of trees. Her lip is busted, and her forehead is bleeding.

"Amore, Angel." I drag her to me and see the knife from my office.

"He's involved. He dragged me away, and I'm glad I grabbed the knife."

"Gun lessons tomorrow," I growl, holding her to my chest, breathing harshly as I think about all the fucking heads that are about to roll.

"Get her inside and protected," my father says.

"She needs a medic," I grunt. "Where's that piece of shit?"

"He's not going to be able to speak," Stella says with a weak smile.

"Good girl." I look down at her, tipping her chin, and then her face contorts.

"My belly hurts, Dame." She collapses in my arms. I rush her into the house, but she really needs a hospital. My housekeeper meets me at the door and leads the way to our room.

"Let me get her cleaned up." She's carrying the first-aid kit already, and another maid brings over wet washcloths. Normally I never let all these people in my room, but nothing matters but my wife's care. "Please back up, Mr. Valentino." I move around and give her some space.

"Stella, can you tell me where you're hurt besides your head?"

"My stomach."

"Okay. Can I check your panties?" She nods, and my housekeeper starts to lift Stella's dress.

"Close the door," I snarl. The maid shuts the door as she checks Stella's underwear.

"Good news so far—I don't see any blood. I can't say anything, but blood might mean a miscarriage." That's really fucking good to know, but she said it's just a sign.

"Still, she needs a doctor." The maid wipes Stella's forehead, and then they clean the cut. There's a nasty bruise on her face that sets my teeth on edge.

A rapid knock at the door sends me to my feet. I rush to the door and nearly tear it off the hinges. "Oh my God," my sister sobs, rushing into the room followed by my mother and then the doctor.

"She needs medical attention now. She's pregnant," I order.

"I need everyone, including you, to give me space." Everyone steps back and the doctor takes over. "Mrs. Valentino, I'm going to touch you."

As much as I should be pissed that he's a man examining my wife, nothing matters because I want her better. He palpitates around her belly and looks.

"Can you explain what happened?" He checks the wounds on her head and the scratches on her arms, most taken care of by my staff. "He pointed a gun at me the second Dame exited the vehicle, and then told me to exit quietly or he'd shoot me before Damiano could reach me." She sobs, but then catches her breath and continues. "I slid out with my purse on, and he yanked me through the tree line. I knew I didn't have much time, so I fell to the ground and then he hit me with the gun, telling me to get up or he'd kill me right on the spot."

I take her hand, hoping that will give us both the strength—her to continue telling the rest, and me from not going insane right now and killing every damn man I see.

"It was fuzzy for a moment, but then I had enough. Sliding the switchblade you gave me tonight from my purse, I popped it open and stabbed him in the throat, pulled it out, and then shoved it in his hand that he had the gun in. He fell on me, and that's when I pushed off and ran back."

"Fucking badass, girl. My sister-in-law is ice cold. Who would have ever imagined?"

"My dark angel."

"How far along are you, my dear?"

"Less than six weeks or so."

"Are you cramping?"

"No."

"Okay. Well, I'd like to run some bloodwork and stuff, but overall, the injuries are superficial. Fatigue and stress might be why you fainted, and the pain might be minor. We can't know just yet, but we can test your levels. Rest, and I will check on you soon."

"What about my baby?"

"You're not very far along, with no blood present, and lack of cramping is a good sign. My palpitations don't show much at this stage. Labs will be better to give us a detailed timeline. I suggest you see your OBGYN as soon as possible. As much as I'd like to help, I'm not a specialist in that area."

"I understand." He is the guy we call for gunshots and shit, but he was the closest, and frankly I'm afraid to let her leave the estate.

"Can we get the doc here with an ultrasound machine?" Hummingbird asks.

"I don't see why not," I answer.

"I have a coworker who I trust. She's a great doctor, and discreet."

"Fantastic. Send her over first thing in the morning with the equipment."

I escort him to the door. "Is she truly okay?"

"Physically, yes. Emotionally, I don't know her, so that would be your call."

"Then she'll be just fine. Thank you."

"Congratulations, Damiano. You've landed a perfect wife."

"That I did." Now it's time to make people pay.

I turn to everyone in the room. "Now, I appreciate everything you all have done, and it will not go unnoticed. However, I would like to be alone with my wife." They all nod in understanding before they leave. Gracie squeezes my shoulder and kisses my cheek. I nod and then lock the door behind them.

"Damiano." The light whimper that comes from my wife hardens my heart. I kick off my shoes and slide off my coat. Climbing into bed, I hold her lightly. "I want you to stay with me, but I can see the venom in those devilishly beautiful eyes."

"I'm fighting my urges."

"Don't fight them, Damiano. I love you, so all that I ask is that you come back to me safely for me and our little one."

"I can't lose you."

"I'll be safe in our bed with someone watching the door. Maybe I could stay with your parents."

"No, you're not leaving our room. I'll send them here. You will be watched. Let me get you out of this and changed." I slip her out of her dress and then pull out the dress shirt I left on the chair from this afternoon and slide it over her body, buttoning it up.

"I love wearing your clothes."

"You look sexy in it too." I kiss her softly and then it grows, but then she yips and I remember her busted mouth. "Damn it. I'm sorry, Angel."

"Don't worry about me. Go on and take care of your family. Show them the devil, and I'll be waiting like a good girl."

"You better be."

It's a struggle to pull away, but I need answers and there's one motherfucker who is going to give them to me, or he and his family are dead. Whipping open my bedroom door, I find my entire family waiting there on pins and needles. "Stay here with her. Don't fucking leave her side until I return. Something happens, I want to know. A cough, sneeze, anything."

My mother pulls me in for a hug. "Calm yourself, and remember you are no good to her dead. Keep a steady head and get these bastards. Your father has been doing this longer. He'll show you how vendettas work." She gives me a sinister smirk, and I wonder how much I don't know about my youth and the time I was unconscious.